Big Bad Wolf Rampage in Town

Hoot Hoot…

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is back with a bang this year. I and my colleague, Katharina got to the heart of the howl as the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale open its door for avid book readers like me. It couldn’t have been a more exciting time for a book lover as a golden opportunity to check out the wide selection of books on sale from December 7th – 23rd at the Mines Convention Centre. This year is the largest one yet as there are 3 million books will go on sale and all with discounts from 75 to 95%! 

I was flabbergasted to see whole lotta books put up on sale and it has a myriad of book selection to cater people from all walks of life, I believe. Anything you ever wanted from literature genre to cooking, pets, photography, arts, gardening, biographies, fiction, children’s books and more are available here without a doubt. I was told that there are a lot more books on offer this time around compared to the year before. To mark the special celebration of this year sale, the organizers extended its opening hours for 63 hours straight for the weekend of Friday Dec 7th right up to 9pm, Sunday Dec 9th.

Though I plan to only limit myself with a couple of books since I got quite a number of books a couple of months back at MPH with a hefty price tag, yet I couldn’t resist the temptation. I end up spending almost 100 bucks for 5 books. Though my eyes and feet were tired after awhile of browsing through what is not even a quarter of it, yet I was compelled to scout further. But time was not gracious to me since I got to rush back to office (as we sneaked in during our lunch hours. 

A word of advice for those planning to attack the sale, haul up a trolley basket or bad that will definitely help a lot in saving lots of your energy and paving way for you to last longer hours of book hunting around the exhibition hall. Trust me. If you are afraid of getting dehydrated or hungry from book hunting, need not to be fretful as they have food and beverage stalls to keep us refreshed.

So what are you guys waiting for? Happy Book Hunting at the Big Bad Wolf 2012!

A Dainty English Affair-Tea the English Way

A perfect Sunday afternoon with the girls to spend a relaxing afternoon over delicious English Tea-Time treats elegantly presented and complemented by aromatic and exclusive teas. One of my favorite things to do wind up is to have the classic English afternoon tea.

English afternoon Tea has always been an elegant tradition from England that dates back to the 1800s and it is perfected by this charming cozy ambiance with a touch of English flair. I enjoy a lovely afternoon sipping on a hot cuppa traditional English Breakfast Tea and delicious finger sandwiches, scones and strawberry jam served on a silver platter fit for the Queen and the ravishing Red Velvet Cake accompanied with two lovely girls.

Almost for the past one month, I had a busy life both on the social and work perspective. Then I thought I need a self indulgence and a girl’s day out. At last we gave it a thought to go for English Afternoon Tea which will be the perfect way to catch up with old times and at the same time indulge ourselves with the scrumptious servings of sweet treats – seemingly escape from the world. Just what we were looking for!

Delicious cozy ambiance and charming flair made me so relaxed all the way through till we called it off the day. I must concede that this experience is truly worthwhile. We girls got to choose from an assortment of afternoon tea and also the fluffy, varieties of cakes to top it off the set. When the 3 tier afternoon set arrived, we were thinking on how to finish up the whole thing as it seem to be quite a lot for three of us. Besides we order side dishes like calamari fries and fish burger.

Let’s savor the 3 tier set one at a time. Our first tier had 6 assortments of finger sandwiches and 2 Duck Confit in Filo Pastry. We had no trouble nibbling on the savory miniature sandwiches with smoked salmon as everything was very delicious and we enjoyed it wholeheartedly. The we moved on to the middle level where we were dined on the traditional English favorite of fresh home baked scones served with strawberry jam and a choice of clotted cream to sweeten our afternoon. The scones were buttery and light but not my choice as I would have preferred a pancake instead. However, the hand rolled chocolate truffles was marvelous. I could go for more of it although it was quite rich in chocolate taste. The rosemary and cheese cookies nothing much to shout about. The choice of treats could have been better with fruit tarts or so.

By the time we reach out for the top and last tier, three of us were already brimming with calorie treats! Oh gosh how much do I need to work out to get rid of of the extra calories? What’s on the top was ravishing Red Velvet Cake with macaroon and strawberry chocolate dip which was irresistible yet we allowed ourselves to digest before we munched on this. The red velvet was filled with sweet surprise. We spent hours chilling out and chatting accompanied by sweet treats and sipping on luxury afternoon tea, we just loved the heavenly moments shared and a great boost for the tired soul.

A dainty English affair indeed, ladies! Looking for more of it.

One Year Engagement Anniversary

So on November 27, 2012 the engagement was announced in Ipoh, city of hills while everyone gathered to celebrate the pre-nuptial union between a handsome lad to his lady love. So it was official! Raj and Nisha were engaged after all those years courting clandestinely– hurray.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to reminiscences the occasion on November 27, 2012.

It all went on very quickly that Sunday night with Raj declaring to the close-knits of family and friends that I will be now the love of his life (officially). It was a beautiful moment engraved in our hearts forever. The moment, Raj adorned the engagement ring into my finger, I felt a sense of euphoria and giddy. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. 

Reflecting upon the events of that day a year ago, I’m surprised at just how much of it I can still recall. I could remember that day so well and will always cherish it and honor it in my heart. Since that day, we go hand in hand through our lives sharing everything together. Looking back at those moments, I wouldn’t change anything about my life and Raj will always be the best of all the gifts in my life, undeniably.

Today is our one-year engagement anniversary. It was pretty surreal to know, it has been a year since we have lived as married couple. Although we are tied up in a long distance marriage, yet Raj and I have formed a beautiful life together that I truly cherish every little moment. The journey of our marriage never ceases but excites me more for an awesome life with my hubby.

The engagement anniversary will always feel special to me somehow. Happy engagement anniversary my honey bunny!

First Diwali after Wedding

Diwali this year was more precious to me and Raj as we celebrated our first Diwali together after marriage. Thalai Diwali – which means the FIRST Diwali as a married couple. It’s supposed to be the most special and auspicious of occasions since it is out first Diwali as husband and wife.

I would love to give a simple elucidation about what’s behind Diwali, the celebration of festival of lights. Diwali is the most esteemed and celebrated occasions of Hindu faith. This celebration honors the triumph of good over evil with a lot more spiritual significance. It is more than just celebrating Lord Ram’s victory over the evil king. But it is also to grace the inner light as well. No matter what, who and where it is celebrated, the essence of the festival remains the same – Diwali is celebrated be grateful to life, the goodness and purified soul.

Of course above and behind all those legacy, Diwali is simply a joyous occasions with showers of firecrackers welcoming the celebration of goodness, light lamps and fairy lights illuminating the ambiance in our homes to signify that darkness has been banished for good and also abundance of sweet delicacies, new and colorful attires to paint the town red.

Raj and I had been looking forward for this occasion for a long time. He will be the most celebrated as a lovable son-in-law in my family. The first Diwali is being hosted by the bride’s family for the newlyweds. Raj drove down to KL two days earlier and we had our own time to do some eleventh hour shopping, decorating the house, prepping the ambiance and even making trips to Little India to get some firecrackers, extra decorations, raw items needed for rangoli kolam and enough of fairy lights to illuminate the entire house. Raj was so enthusiastic to put up the lights around the house – they look so lovely and festive, we organized the tea candles around the house, designs for kolam to be in place, and put up more decorations here and there to spruce things up. All this was done in two days in time for Diwali celebration to kick in.

We got up early on Diwali morning to have our oil bath, followed by prayers before we put on our best attire. As usual women ended up in kitchen exercising their muscles to have all the sumptuous meal spread out on our dining table. I and my sister puffed up the ambiance with lots of fresh flowers around the house. Music filled up the air. Nothing is more pleasing than having your loved ones by your side during a joyous occasion.

Morning of Diwali is usually about family time. Good family bonding, having meals together while catching up with the movies and reminiscing about the celebration in the past. Since Raj was celebrating his Diwali in KL for the first time ever, we were invited to his parents place for a get-together lunch which again is about lots of food! We enjoyed the company more than the food for sure.

Night of Diwali saw us hosting the dinner for all our friends at our place. We made sure we prepared plenty of food, delicacies and alcohols to last the night. We had a good time chatting, drinking and eating our way round the clock. A Diwali to remember!

It was a fantastic day and I had such a great time with my husband, family and friends. Happy Diwali once again!

Monday minor mishap

It was a cold Monday morning when I got up with a void feeling as I had sleepless night due to my flu infection. A heavy heart and cold feeling made me feel that I got up on the wrong side of the bed. Yet I made my way to work with a strong determination to fight off the odds of Monday, ONLY to be trampled down before I could reach out the battle ground.

As I sashay slowly through the morning traffic brawl, I could still feel my senses were weighed down in forty winks, I guess. Yet, I was vigilant of the cars ahead of me since it was a wet day. Out of the blue, I was jolted with a loud thump at the rear of my car. I was bewildered for a moment wondering where in the hell did the loud bang came from. It took me awhile to convalesce myself out of shock. Before I knew what was happening, I was quick to lift up the handbrake and get out of the car only to give an intense stare to the abysmal driver with a hand gesture indicating my exasperation. How else do you expect me to treat the guy who actually gave me a rude awakening on an already gloomy Monday? Oh gosh! What do I do now?

I could sense vaguely from his face expression that he was feeling guilty as he made the turn into my lane absurdly and rammed into the rear of my car out of control. I was calmed down when his apologetic looks convince me to move out of the busy road to give way for others and settle the issue. However, I am not so naïve to trust any stranger especially when they see a woman behind the wheels; they will try to take us for a ride. Hell no! I am no such women to give in easily and raise a white flag. Yet, this is my first accident on road without my dad being with me (Technically it was my second accident but first time in the sense I was left all alone to fend myself here. The first one, dad was sitting right beside me and yet I could ram into car! Ha-ha).

The first thing I did when I moved to the side of the road, I jumped out of the car to see the intensity of damage incurred. My heart sunk when I saw the bump and scratches my car had. The bumper needs a makeover including the reverse sensor. However, I saw a good thing in the obscurity. My headlamps had a close shave but survived the aftermath. Thank god. When I turn around to see the guy’s car, Myvi, I should consider myself lucky since his damage was beyond my expectation. His left-side front bonnet was badly dented and the damage goes beyond superficial level. That’s pretty bad but it was his blunder and his mad-rush to work cost him a big hole in his pocket. I felt bad for him though. Then we both exchanged our contacts and details only to know his wife is working in Sime Darby HQ. What a coincident?

We both are first timers on having to deal with road accident and were totally unsure to go ahead make a report and claim from his insurance or we settle out of law. My damage would cost about MYR 1k++ but his could easily cost him more than MYR 2k. Since we both were bamboozled as to what we should do, I made a call to my dad to get his opinion and as always dad will be a savior for his daughter’s predicament, he made a dash to the site of accident in less than 30 minutes. Finally we agreed to lodge a police report and claim from the guy’s insurance since he was on the wrong. There you go a day of hassle with the redundant procedures and the lackadaisical of the enforcement officers. Phew by the time it was all settled, I was totally jaded.

The good thing about me is I never panicked in such circumstances and remain my poise at all time. I must say the guy whom hit my car was a nice chap and I was lucky enough to get correct contact information. However this will not be the scenario most of the time. Most of the time, the contact details furnished by other drivers can be false and alas we end up paying for the damage from our very own pockets. So we should stop being nice, trusting person when we are shoved into such a situation.

At least, now I know what I should do if I’m unintentionally pushed into such mishap in future. First of all, move our vehicles to the side of the road to alleviate roadway congestion. Don’t panic but remain poise and try to secure as much information about the vehicle and the driver involved in the accident –license plate number, vehicle description (make-model-color), driver’s & vehicle owner’s name, address, phone number, identification card number and if possible the insurance information. Do not forget to lodge police report and take a snapshot of the damage of vehicle. A lesson learnt the hard way but a good experience for me.

My Health Screening

After much procrastination, I finally feel compelled to get myself a thorough medical check-up. My last health check-up was in 2008. I should be getting a medical check-up once in two years but you know, I was just too paranoid of the cold hospital atmosphere, test results, and the smell of medicines. So a week ago, I made appointment with the executive health screening centre at Sime Darby Medical Centre (SDMC) and finally I am getting it done after much persuasion by mom and in case before my body decides to surprise me. This will be my first attempt to a healthy living style effort.

The hospital itself was a house of award-winning class, complete sophisticated medical systems, cutting-edge technologies and experienced doctors. I was obliged to go health screening at SDMC not simply because as a Sime Darby staff but I believed in the outstanding healthcare services. Through the experiences of other colleagues, I was told as soon as we walk through the doors, you are no longer a patient. They treat us as a whole person beyond just looking after our illness and after-care. I guess it will not be a mistake once we choose SDMC as our loyal healthcare provider although it can be quite pricey.

As I walk into the reception lounge, I handed in my GL letter and was asked to take a seat. The waiting can be painful at times but I was assured it won’t take that long. Besides, filling up personal information and getting my consent for additional test, my height, weight measurements and eyesight were taken. Then, it all began with blood and urine samples drawn. I was led from one room to another, each for various type of test stated in our health screening programme. All in all, the entire check-up took me about half a day.

At the end of the check-up, the nurse told me that I can collect my results the following day which surprised me. It was quite efficient and I get to pick a consultant to explain my results. I had no idea of all the doctors listed in their list but I chose Dr Ashoka Menon who is a distinguished consultant. The most daunting part of the check-up is the results. A lot of questions went through my head of what will be my state of health. It made me slightly nervous as I have not done any check-up in the span of 3 years!

After what seemed like an eternity, I was called in to see Dr Ashoka who did some check-up on my nervous system and sat down to explain the outcome of my medical check-up. He gave me a clean bill of health although my hemoglobin level is slightly lower than the required range. It was normal for women like me whom menstruate and prescribed me some iron pills for it.

Wow. So glad and relieved that I did it before I reach my thirties and vow to exercise health screening once in every 2 years. And I have since been more conscious and informed about my diet.

J'aime le Be Delicious

I have always wanted a signature perfume that epitomizes my personality as modern women today. One that reflects a modern feast for the senses. Like most people today, I love perfume. I believe that people who love perfume tend also to love food and art more than the average person. Perfume lovers adore a story, too, and see their lives as movies in which they’re the star. And it’s freaking true. It’s just my hunch and not a convincing fashion statement. What makes me adore perfume?

It is so simple. I love perfume like all beautiful things around me that twirl me into a rapturous delight. It is more about chemistry, fashion and also a finishing touch to my personality. Moreover, I believe that the more one is attuned to smells in one’s surroundings, the more one can appreciate simple pleasures.

And here we go! DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom is what I was looking for in a perfume a very long time. Indeed, it is!  Now I have found it. What a refreshing and pleasant relief it turned out to be for me.

It is designed to fill in a sleek metal and glass apple bottle, this juicy fragrance combines the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods. Like the city that inspired it, Be Delicious celebrates individuality with refreshing spirit. I must confess that the very first time I tested this on myself at the perfumery; I was mesmerized by its magic on my mood.  After going round testing on Salvatore, Coach Poppy etc, I was enthralled by Fresh Blossom that I decided to go for.

For me, Fresh Blossom accentuates the floral sensation with sweet lacings of fruity notes, true to its name. The subtle sweet pink color of the perfume oil itself is fresh, dewy with a hint of beautiful floral accents creating some lightness yet distinct. I must say DKNY did a great job in blending up citrus and lovely pink blossoms to give a signature scent with truly reflects femininity. 

J'aime le parfum – I love perfume

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in town

There is really nothing that can get us enough of the royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Don’t you think so? Yes, the charm, amiable, humility, grace, compassion and the natural flair they execute are just more than enough to sweep us off our feet. I am definitely one person whom adored the British Royalties for their regal personality and exuberance. The late Lady Diana Spencer (aka Princess of Wales) is a great exemplary. Perhaps that could be the reason behind my admiration for the young Duke and Duchess of Cambridge whom resembles the lovely persona. Just like everybody else, I seem pretty excited at their visit here as I can’t wait to see Prince William and wife Catherine in the person. 

After weeks of intense eagerness, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine Middleton have arrived in Malaysia on the 13th of September, 2012 for their inaugural 3-day trip. William and Kate flew in from Singapore as part of the Britain’s royal couple’s Southeast Asia Pacific tour in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Their arrival were welcomed with hordes of Malaysians who were excited to catch a glimpse of the two as they waved their way to the exit only to be whisked away by a limousine to Putrajaya where a luncheon was hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife for the royal couple. 

The couple has a tight schedule on their hands after just concluding their visit to Singapore which will see them through Solomon Islands and Tuvalu stops after Malaysia. Catherine affectionately known as Kate amongst her admirers all over the world delivered her first speech as she settles into her duty as being part of the British monarchy. Her heartwarming speech at the Hospis Malaysia brought a glimpse of hope to the young patients and cheered them up. 

I was overwhelmed when I first knew that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be at KLCC Park for a private tea party and do a walkway around the park to meet the public today (September, the 14th) as it was something I have look forward for a very long time. Unfortunately I can’t due to my call of duty as I have my ad-hoc performance plan meeting at office. Even though it was a huge disappointment for me, yet it will definitely be a memorable event for us, fellow Malaysians, a memory that will be etched in our hearts for decades to come. 

The royal couple will be making their next stop at Sabah, the Land below the Wind. It was an honor for us to feel proud to have them visit our country as one of their destination for their royal visit.
All in all, we are delighted to have the royal couple visit our country and experience the presence of Duke and Duchess in our land.